Lakeside News & Announcements

Artists-n-Cahoots Celebrates 10 Years

Twelve years ago, Erin Rosson and Joyce Christman were on the front porch of Rosson’s cottage drinking tea and enjoying the soft breeze.

Between the small chats about life and art, a great idea was born. The pair wanted to open an art store, where they could display their art, as well as other artists’ work.

Two years later, Rosson and Christman opened the doors of the small store in partnership with Lakeside near the Lakeside Chautauqua Administration Office, called Artists-n-Cahoots. As the years passed, they received positive feedback from the Lakeside community.

Five years after opening Artists-n- Cahoots, the store moved to 222 Walnut Ave., along a main business street in Lakeside. The new store presented an opportunity to increase the size of the showcase, as well as a more comfortable place for customers.

The new space also made the store more accessible to more customers, including those who are handicapped or have strollers. The store sells items such as paintings, jewelry, ornaments and stained glass.

Rosson and Christman are passionate about art and they want to share that passion with others. They are able to share their art, as well as the work of more than 50 artists, most of whom are instructors at the C. Kirk Rhein, Jr., Center for the Living Arts.

Rosson and Christman looked at each other, amazed, when they realized it has been 10 years since they opened Artists-n-Cahoots.

“Dream something, come up with an action plan and pitch it out there,” Christman said. “You never know what is going to happen.”

There is no doubt Artists-n-Cahoots is a business collaboration with Lakeside, but the doors are open because they want to give back to the community.

“Not everybody comes in to buy, and we don’t care because we say its part store and part art gallery,” Rosson said.

Rosson and Christman realized that without their efforts and perseverance, Artists-n-Cahoots would not be where it is today, but they are humble enough to give credit to their clients, too.

“We are so thankful for the guests, cottage owners and people who have supported us over the years, who found us when we were away in a little bitty store,” Rosson said. “But, we have faithful costumers, and they have supported us tremendously.”

This year, Artists-n-Cahoots celebrates 10 years of sharing more than just art with Lakeside community.